Craftsman (Mission) Bookcase

This is a craftsman bookcase that I built for my wife. Busted it out in just over 2 weeks, using almost every waking moment away from my real job (75 hours in the shop). It is loosely based on a Stickley 719 bookcase. Really, however, it started with the old (100ish years) leaded glass doors that I picked up a while back, so I designed around those. I wanted it to resemble the Stickley design, so I gave it the same “backsplash” shape and double thru tenons in the 3 horizontal pieces that make the carcass. I had to add the 2 drawers to give it better balance. Overall, it came out to 50” tall, 41” wide, and 12.5” deep.

The hardware came from craftsmanhardware.com and closely resembles early Stickley hardware. The drawers are on full extension slides, and are my first drawers with dovetails. I picked up a Leigh D4 dovetail jig on craigslist with a full set of bits and box joint template for $200. It’s a great addition for my shop, and adds a whole new dimension to what I can do. The back is tongue and groove boards that are about 5” wide. The finish follows Jeff Jewitt’s recommendation for a Stickley finish using a water based stain, sealer, gel stain (for the pores), and 2-4 coats of wipe on urethane.

All of the lumber (except the back) is full width quarter sawn white oak. I found a supply that came from a 52” diameter tree, so I bought about 600bf. It’s all 5/4, and up to 26” wide. It’s really amazing wood, and the iphone pics really don’t do it justice. At $3 per bf, I was compelled to buy all he had. It’ll be 2 years before his next log is ready for the kiln.

That is just crazy, in a good way. I love the craftsman style. The glass is fantastic, the time it took to build is wild. I wish I could knock out a project that scope that fast. Wood and Finish is great. Well done.

Very nice work, it’s going straight to my favorites list!In all of my projects with glass, I have built the case first. Kudos to you for starting with your glass and building the case to suit. That must have been a real challenge. The style and layout of doors and drawers is quite pleasing to the eye. Very attractive design and craftsmanship. Does the hardware actually use screws from the front or is that faux? Drives me nuts bolting on pulls from the back. I would love to attach them from the front.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush